Stephen Harper has adopted a completely new way to manage the Affairs of the State. Compared to his predecessor, Paul Martin, who is said to be threatened to death by dehydration in front of two glass of water; Stephen Harper decides, announces and applies what he has just announced! No double speech with him! That new approach brings freshness in Ottawa and is of a paramount importance when we consider federal/provincial relationships.

During his speech about open federalism in Montreal, yesterday, Harper pointed out a certain number of acts he will and others he won't do when dealing with the provinces. He also said he was open to start a new constitutionnal round and he stated that "his" government won't have any "Prime Minister's pet". Up to now, everything leads us to think he will respect his parole: if he told that, that's because he has the intimate conviction he can do it!

The Prime Minister is then inviting all Canadians to define the 3rd Canada, just like the Frenches has declared the 3rd Republic after the WWII. In fact, Harper understands that, if he want to secure the Canadian federation, he must give every province the same powers and stop answering every individual demand from provinces. That approach is better and much more respectfull of all Canadians.

Far from reducing Quebec's powers, this new approach gives it what it wanted for so long: a real distinct status... among 10 others distinct status: one for each province. If every province can decide independently of a number of law and programs, it doesn't hurt Quebec's capacities and it gives every province the same capabilities.This is what makes the "open federalism" so strong and threatening for Quebec's independentists.

The Québécois should seriously think about entering that new deal. May be are we at the point where the two founder peoples have to redefine their common foundations?